The University of Arizona During 100 Years of Statehood
When
Where
What do UFOs, the "Pride of Arizona" marching band, and Edward Abbey have in common? All are part of University of Arizona (UA) history during the first 100 years of Arizona statehood. As Arizona prepares to celebrate its centennial in 2012, students at the UA have scoured Special Collections to learn firsthand the stories behind some of the UA’s major accomplishments from 1912 to today.
Taught by Professor Martha Few, History 396 is a capstone research class for history majors. Although topics of History 396 vary, this semester the course focused on researching UA people, achievement, and traditions during 100 years of Arizona statehood.
Using resources including photographs, scrapbooks, memos, and news clippings the students revisited UA history in a wide range of topics from UFO investigation at the UA, the formation of the UA marching band, the ascension of UA athletics, the activism of Edward Abbey, and the development of solar energy research at the UA.
The 2011 Student Research Symposium, which includes an open reception, poster session and student talks, is the culmination of the history students’ intensive, semester-long efforts. Four students have been selected to present their research:
- Alex Nuñez, "A Greater Arizona: James McKale’s Early Career and the Ascension of Arizona Athletics, 1914-1925"
- Kevin Jung, "The Emergence of Astronomy at the University of Arizona: A. E. Douglass and the Steward Observatory, 1906-1923"
- Adam Krone, "The Streak: University of Arizona Basketball Under Coach Fred Enke, 1946-1951"
- Michelle Smith, "Edward Abbey: An Anarchist and Activist at the University of Arizona, 1981-1989"
Special Collections and the Department of History are hosting the 2011 Student Research Symposium to recognize the students’ achievement.
Related coverage
UA and 100 Years of Arizona Statehood